SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
For the 10th week of Tipster Challenge action, it’s fitting that we’re at the world famous Cheltenham Festival! SBC News will be trying to follow up a 5-win week at Catterick, and hold off the team of Guests in 2nd, represented this week by Ciaran O’Brien, Communications Director at William Hill.
William Hill have been gearing up to take up to 10,000 bets per minute at this week’s festival, and made a commitment to going top price or equal on every horse on every race, for every day this week.
SBC News and William Hill are going up against Stephen Harris of bettingexpert and Timeform in this week’s competition, providing picks for the 7 Wednesday races. Follow the results of these tips throughout the day at Cheltenham via @SBCGAMINGNEWS:
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1:30
SBC News: Yanworth
Unbeaten in 4 over hurdles and really impressive on Festival Trials Day in January.
bettingexpert: Yanworth
Has not been off the bridle since going over hurdles and could be even more effective now getting some decent ground.
Timeform: Yanworth
Set a high standard on his most impressive win on Festival Trials Day here at the end of January and is definitely the one to beat, though Yorkhill looks a top prospect in his own right and should be up to giving Alan King’s charge something to think about.
William Hill: Yanworth
Thistlecrack aside, Yanworth was the most impressive performer at the Festival Trials Day and that looked good enough for me.
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2:10
SBC News: More Of That
Unbeaten at the track and beat one of the stars of Tuesday’s Cheltenham action, Annie Power, in the 2014 World Hurdle.
bettingexpert: Blaklion
Is more exposed than most, but has been running well all winter and has vital course experience in the book.
Timeform: No More Heroes
Looks one of the most exciting young chasers around with form stacking up. Seeyouatmidnight will have crept under a lot of radars and holds outstanding place claims, while More Of That, the 2014 World Hurdle winner and unbeaten in 4 runs at Cheltenham, clearly has to be respected.
William Hill: No More Heroes
More Of That loves it round here but I’ve a feeling the progressive No More Heroes will get the better of him up the hill.
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2:50
SBC News: Blazer
Could prove the pick of Mullins’ horses in this race and surprise Arbre De Vie.
bettingexpert: Arbre De Vie
Progressive handicapper on the up who has a turn of foot, and will relish a fast run race to help him settle in the early stages.
Timeform: Arbre De Vie
Heads a quartet of strong contenders from the Willie Mullins yard (the stable has yet to win the race) and he gets the nod over stablemate Avant Tout.
William Hill: Long House Hall
This is as tough as it gets, but Long House Hall is one of only two course and distance winners in the race and may just do it for the Skelton stable.
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3:30
SBC News: Un De Sceaux
One of the most tipped horses of the entire week; will take some beating here.
bettingexpert: Un De Sceaux
Will take some catching with the ground drying up and can make all the running.
Timeform: Un De Sceaux
With a clean round of jumping, Un De Sceaux can land the odds and give Willie Mullins a first victory in this contest.
William Hill: Sprinter Sacre
This looks easy for Un De Sceaux but I don’t do easy. The story is Sprinter Sacre and I’ve followed him over cliffs before so I can’t abandon him now.
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4:10
SBC News: Balthazar King
Bouncing back from injury, but a two-time winner of the Cross Country Chase in the last 5 years.
bettingexpert: Balthazar King
Standing dish in these races and seems sure to go close with the Hobbs team in blistering form.
Timeform: Josies Orders
Looked yet another top cross-country performer for his yard when winning twice over C&D before Christmas and should take a bit of stopping under Nina Carberry.
William Hill: Josies Orders
Josie’s Orders is in Nina’s safe hands so that’s where my money goes, but I wouldn’t rule out Uncle Junior at a price.
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4:50
SBC News: Diego Du Charmil
Trained by Paul Nicholls, this horse has been highly tipped to go well here and contend.
bettingexpert: Fixe Le Kap
Progressive novice looks well treated in a wide open race.
Timeform: Jaleo
Caught the eye when tearing 11 lengths clear of the consistent Our Thomas at Catterick last time, and the feeling is that his opening mark could well underestimate him.
William Hill: Diego Du Charmil
I thought I’d found a diamond in Voix Du Reve – a rare Mullins / Walsh horse at double figure odds. But Jon Ivan-Duke tells me Diego Du Charmil is a certainty. If it doesn’t win we’ll be having words.
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5:30
SBC News: Augusta Kate
Punters will be ready to latch on to Willie Mullins’ Augusta Kate after yesterday’s action, and we’re willing to do the same.
bettingexpert: Augusta Kate
Created a deep impression when winning last time and remains in the “could be anything” category.
Timeform: Augusta Kate
Can give Willie Mullins a momentous ninth win in this contest and become the third mare to land the prize. Ballyandy has done little wrong so far and looks a big player, while Compadre could go well at a bigger price.
William Hill: Ballyandy
Ballyandy has been laid out for this and will either make our day or save our day. Either way we’ll be back for more on Thursday!
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